Can You Leave a Solo Dungeon and Come Back in Destiny 2? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: no, you cannot leave a solo dungeon and expect it to still count as a complete solo run for triumph purposes. If you’re aiming for that coveted solo completion emblem or triumph in Destiny 2, you absolutely must complete the entire dungeon in one uninterrupted session, without returning to orbit or having anyone join your fireteam until after the final loot chest appears.

Why? Because the game specifically tracks whether or not you’ve maintained a consistent, solitary presence within the dungeon from start to finish. Any departure from the activity resets that flag. Think of it like a fragile bubble: once popped, there’s no re-inflating it.

This requirement adds a significant layer of challenge to solo dungeon runs, demanding not only skill and strategy but also endurance and time management. You need to be prepared to commit a potentially lengthy period to the activity. A single disconnect, an urgent phone call, or a simple “oops, I need to grab something from the Tower” can completely derail your efforts. So, plan accordingly!

Understanding the Solo Dungeon Challenge

Soloing dungeons in Destiny 2 is a badge of honor. It’s a testament to your skill, build crafting ability, and sheer perseverance. These activities are designed to be challenging even with a full fireteam, so tackling them alone requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and a willingness to adapt to unexpected situations.

The reward for completing a dungeon solo is more than just bragging rights, though. Many dungeons offer specific triumphs for solo completions, often tied to unique emblems that display your accomplishment for all to see. This, of course, incentivizes players to take on the daunting task of soloing dungeons in the first place.

Solo vs. Solo Flawless: A Crucial Distinction

It’s also critical to understand the difference between a standard solo run and a solo flawless run. While soloing simply requires completing the dungeon alone, solo flawless requires completing it alone without dying. That’s right – one death, and you have to start all over.

Given the difficulty of some encounters, solo flawless runs are among the most challenging achievements in Destiny 2. They demand near-perfect execution, a meticulously optimized build, and a healthy dose of luck. Naturally, the reward for such a feat is correspondingly impressive, often including a unique and highly coveted emblem. As you might expect, leaving a solo flawless run resets your progress, requiring a restart from the beginning.

Strategies for Solo Dungeon Success

Before diving into a solo dungeon run, consider the following strategies to maximize your chances of success:

• Research and Planning: Watch videos, read guides, and understand the mechanics of each encounter. Knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect will help you prepare your build and strategy accordingly.
• Build Optimization: Experiment with different builds and find one that suits your playstyle and the specific challenges of the dungeon. Consider survivability, damage output, and utility. Excellent choices will often revolve around specific exotic armor pieces like Loreley Splendor Helm (Titan), Omnioculus (Hunter), or Starfire Protocol (Warlock).
• Weapon Selection: Choose weapons that are effective against both adds (smaller enemies) and bosses. Consider using a combination of primary weapons, special weapons, and heavy weapons to cover all bases. The right tool for the job can make all the difference.
• Patience and Perseverance: Soloing dungeons takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you fail on your first few attempts. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your strategy, and keep trying.

Can You Exploit Checkpoints in Solo Dungeons?

No, you can’t cheese a solo run like that. You must do it by yourself in one sitting (no checkpoints). This requirement keeps the integrity of the solo run intact.

What happens if you lose after going flawless?

Whenever you lose in Trials of Osiris, your Flawless tracker normally becomes invalidated, preventing you from visiting the Lighthouse after seven wins. With a Passage of Mercy, your first loss doesn’t count. If you haven’t gone Flawless that week, loss forgiveness is increased to two matches. In dungeons, if you die, you need to start all over.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Solo Dungeons

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about solo dungeons in Destiny 2 to provide further clarity:

1. Can I leave a solo dungeon and come back later to finish it?

   • No. Leaving the activity will void your solo completion progress.

2. Does a solo dungeon run have to be completed in one sitting?

   • Yes, it must be done in one continuous session without returning to orbit.

3. If I disconnect during a solo dungeon, does it ruin my run?

   • Yes, a disconnect is considered leaving the activity and will invalidate your solo attempt.

4. Can I have someone join my fireteam after completing the dungeon solo but before opening the final chest?

   • No, having someone join your fireteam before the final chest has dropped will invalidate the triumph.

5. Can I use checkpoints to skip encounters in a solo dungeon?

   • No, you must complete all encounters from start to finish in a single session.

6. If I die during a solo dungeon run, does it affect my solo completion, or only my solo flawless?

   • Dying only affects a solo flawless completion. You can die during a regular solo run and still receive the solo completion triumph.

7. Which dungeon is considered the easiest to solo?

   • Based on community consensus, Shattered Throne is often considered one of the easier dungeons to solo due to its relatively straightforward encounters.

8. What happens if I encounter a bug or glitch during a solo dungeon run?

   • Unfortunately, if a bug or glitch prevents you from progressing, you will likely have to restart the run.

9. Can I use mods or other external tools to assist me in a solo dungeon?

   • As long as the tools do not violate Bungie’s terms of service (e.g., cheating or hacking), using approved mods or tools for build crafting and information is generally acceptable.

10. Are there any specific classes or subclasses that are better suited for soloing dungeons?

    • Certain subclasses with strong survivability and damage output are often favored, such as Titans with Void or Solar subclasses, Hunters with Void or Arc subclasses, and Warlocks with Void or Solar subclasses. Specific exotic armors also play a huge role.

11. How often do dungeons reset their checkpoints?

    • Dungeon checkpoints reset weekly on Tuesdays at the daily reset time (10 AM PST).

12. Can I farm a dungeon for loot after completing it solo?

    • Yes, the featured Dungeon and Raid are farmable, meaning that if you’re looking for a particular weapon or roll, you can re-run the activity as many times as you like to get it. The newest dungeon is always farmable.

13. What is the benefit of completing a dungeon solo flawless?

    • Completing a dungeon solo flawless often rewards a unique and prestigious emblem, showcasing your skill and dedication.

14. Are any raids soloable in Destiny 2?

    • Unlike dungeons, which are designed with tough-but-doable solo runs in mind, almost all Destiny 2 raids are literally impossible to solo. The mechanics are such where you simply cannot solo them, no matter your skill or luck, as you’ll likely need at least two people.

15. Where can I find more resources and guides on soloing dungeons in Destiny 2?

    • The Destiny 2 community is full of helpful resources. Check out YouTube, Reddit (r/DestinyTheGame), and various Destiny 2 Discord servers for guides, tips, and advice. You can also explore educational resources from the Games Learning Society available at GamesLearningSociety.org.